Keck Observatory 20th Anniversary

Published: 2013.03.05 06:00 AM

Photo: Ethan tweedie, courtesy of the w.m. keck observatory

The W. M. Keck Observatory celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. At eight stories tall, with primary mirrors 10 meters in diameter, the twin Keck telescopes, at the summit of Mauna Kea, are the world’s largest—and most productive—operating optical and infrared telescopes. Among the most notable discoveries made so far using Keck-obtained data: the existence of a super-massive black hole at the center of our galaxy, and the reclassification of Pluto as, not a planet, but a dwarf planet. March 13 kicks off a week of celebration, including an observatory open house and a live-streamed science meeting featuring visiting astronomers. Visit keckobservatory.org for details.